Japan nuclear reactor shut down following anomaly alert

Caracas.- The reactor number 4 of the Takahama nuclear power plant, in the Japanese prefecture of Fukui (west), was automatically deactivated today and is stable after detecting a rapid decrease in neutrons, an indication of possible core fission.

The plant's operator, Kansai Electric Power, informed the authorities about the shutdown, which took place within safety protocols at around 15:21 local time (6:21 GMT), according to Fukui Prefecture and Japan's nuclear regulator, reported EFE.

The process of decontamination and cooling of the nuclear fuel progressed smoothly and no irregularities were detected in radiation levels at the nuclear facilities, Fukui authorities said at a press conference.

The government of this Japanese prefecture also confirmed that there were no temperature and pressure anomalies in the reactor, and added that today's incident will not affect the electricity supply in the region.

Kansai Electric Power and the Japan Nuclear Regulatory Authority are investigating the currently unknown cause of the incident.

Takahama Reactor #4 was commissioned in November 2022 and has been in commercial operation since December.

With information from EFE.